Download PropagandaTechniques

Name: ____________________________________ TP: ________
CW: Propaganda
World Literature
Date: Thursday, February 11th, 2016
Propaganda Techniques
What are Propaganda Techniques? They are the methods and approaches used to spread ideas that further a cause - a
political, commercial, religious, or civil cause.
Why are they used? To manipulate the readers' or viewers' reason and emotions; to persuade you to believe in
something or someone, buy an item, or vote a certain way.
What are the most commonly used propaganda techniques? See which of the ten most common types of propaganda
techniques you already know.
Types:
Name calling: This technique consists of attaching a negative label to a person or a thing. People engage in this type of
behavior when they are trying to avoid supporting their own opinion with facts. Rather than explain what they believe
in, they prefer to try to tear their opponent down.
Loaded Words (Glittering Generalities): This technique uses important-sounding "glad words" that have little or no real
meaning. These words are used in general statements that cannot be proved or disproved. Words like "good," "honest,"
"fair," and "best" are examples of "glad" words.
Transfer: In this technique, an attempt is made to transfer the prestige of a positive symbol to a person or an idea. For
example, using the American flag as a backdrop for a political event makes the implication that the event is patriotic in
the best interest of the U.S.
False Analogy: In this technique, two things that may or may not really be similar are portrayed as being similar. When
examining the comparison, you must ask yourself how similar the items are. In most false analogies, there is simply not
enough evidence available to support the comparison.
Testimonial: This technique is easy to understand. It is when "big name" personalities are used to endorse a product.
Whenever you see someone famous endorsing a product, ask yourself how much that person knows about the product,
and what he or she stands to gain by promoting it.
Plain Folks: This technique uses a folksy approach to convince us to support someone or something. These ads depict
people with ordinary looks doing ordinary activities.
Card Stacking: This term comes from stacking a deck of cards in your favor. Card stacking is used to slant a message. Key
words or unfavorable statistics may be omitted in an ad or commercial, leading to a series of half-truths. Keep in mind
that an advertiser is under no obligation "to give the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
Bandwagon: The "bandwagon" approach encourages you to think that because everyone else is doing something, you
should do it too, or you'll be left out. The technique embodies a "keeping up with the Joneses" philosophy.
Either/or fallacy: This technique is also called "black-and-white thinking" because only two choices are given. You are
either for something or against it; there is no middle ground or shades of gray. It is used to polarize issues, and negates
all attempts to find a common ground.
Faulty Cause and Effect: This technique suggests that because B follows A, A must cause B. Remember, just because two
events or two sets of data are related does not necessarily mean that one caused the other to happen. It is important to
evaluate data carefully before jumping to a wrong conclusion.
Examples:
Identify which technique is represented in each example of propaganda.
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